Better Practice in aged care award a first for WA

Lakeside Aged Care (Part of the Aegis Group), Redcliffe, has been presented with the first Better Practice in Aged Care award to be awarded in Western Australia.

The award, presented by The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency Ltd, has been awarded to Lakeside Aged Care for its innovative approach to the use of alternative treatments for residents’ skin tears.

Heather Dey, Facility Manager of Lakeside Aged Care, said:

“I am extremely pleased to accept this award on behalf of the staff at Lakeside. The idea of trying a new approach to managing skin tears was raised at a monthly staff meeting as skin tears experienced by older people are often more painful and long-lasting due to the frailness of older skin.

“We found that the use of Emu Oil and as an alternative, essential oils in specific blends, sped up the healing process, and also strengthened surrounding skin. We now also use the same approach to treat long-standing ulcers, and find that these are now healing much quicker”.

Mark Brandon, Chief Executive Officer of The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency, said:

“Aged care homes across Australia are striving to improve standards and benefit residents, and it is projects like these, with the full support of their residents and their families, that really make a difference.

“The Better Practice in Aged Care Awards aim to recognise homes like Lakeside and so many others that strive to improve the lives of their residents”.

ENDS

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Media and photographers are invited to attend the presentation of the Better Practice in Aged Care award at 1400hrs, Friday 27 January 2006, at Lakeside Aged Care, 68 Lyall Street, Redcliffe, 6104

NOTES TO EDITORS
The Aged Care Standards & Accreditation Agency announced in 2005 that Better Practice Awards were to be introduced to recognise significant achievements in improving the quality of life of residents in aged care.

For further information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Lisa Smith, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, (02) 8831 1033, 0438 446 466

[Back]